By Reporter
Atleast fifty fishermen drawn from Kiwayu and Mkokoni in Lamu East Constituency have received new outboard engines in a Danish-funded initiative aimed at promoting sustainable fishing while improving their livelihoods.
The 15-horsepower engines, funded by the Royal Danish Embassy through the Resilient Communities and Natural Resources Grant, will power 10 fishing boats, enabling fishermen in Kiwayu and Mkokoni areas to access offshore grounds beyond the reef that have been difficult to reach using traditional methods.
Speaking during the handover ceremony today, Lamu Governor Issa Abdalla Timamy, said the engines would help protect marine ecosystems while boosting fishermens’ incomes.
“This initiative represents our commitment to supporting our fishing communities while protecting our precious marine ecosystems,” Mr Timamy said.
He further added that these outboard engines will enable our fishermen to access deeper fishing grounds safely, reducing pressure on overfished habitats thus increasing the expected catch for most fishermen in the areas set to benefit.
The engines are expected to transform fishing operations in the region by reducing exploitation of nearshore habitats, which serve as critical breeding grounds for marine species.
Also speaking during the event Hassan Yussuf, NRT Coast Regional Director, said the initiative would ease pressure on vulnerable coastal ecosystems.
“These outboard engines are not just tools; they represent hope for sustainable livelihoods and marine conservation,” Mr Yussuf said.
He further noted that by enabling Kiwayu and Mkokoni fishing communities to access offshore grounds, there will be reduced pressure on vulnerable nearshore ecosystems while increasing fishing opportunities and incomes for cottage industry fishermen.
Sentiments echoed by his deputy Mohamed Shali, who stated that the fishermen had demonstrated commitment to sustainable practices.
“This handover is the result of strong partnerships between communities, government, and international donors,” Shali highlighted further noting that the fishermen receiving these engines have demonstrated their commitment to sustainable fishing practices, and we’re proud to support their efforts to protect marine resources for future generations.”
The handover ceremony was also attended by Deputy Governor Mbarak Mohamed, the area Member of County Assembly Mohammed Mbwana, County Executive Committee members, and senior government officials drawn from the public administration as well as representatives from The Nature Conservancy, Fauna & Flora and the Kenya Wildlife Service.
The initiative is part of NRT’s broader efforts to promote sustainable fisheries management across the Lamu-Tana ocean waters, which is home to coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests that support diverse marine life.
